James Monroe (April 28, 1758- July 4 1831)
Democratic-Republican
March 4, 1817- March 4, 1825 (2 terms)
Vice President: Daniel Tompkins
Thesis Paragraph
James Monroe had a very successful two-term presidency, excelling in many fields; especially those of foreign affairs, national growth, and American prosperity. Based on major events administered by him and his cabinet, such as the gaining of Florida, admitting new states into the Union, keeping peace in between citizens with political differences, and pushing the Monroe Doctrine into effect, James Monroe should undoubtedly be given an A for his performance as the President of the United States. Monroe's Goals
During the Monroe administration, one of the main goals was to secure Florida from the Spanish and further broaden the American borders. Westward expansion was also a main goal of the country's, and Monroe. Soon after taking occupancy in the White House, Monroe looked to also start a positive relationship with the newly-independent Latin American nations, seeing that they could potentially become even more profitable trading partners and significant allies in the future. Securing the Pacific coast of North America from Russia and other powerful nations also became a priority to Monroe, as this was vital to the potential westward growth of America. In addition, the "Era of Good Feelings" was currently in the air when Monroe took over as President, so he wanted to make sure that these feelings lingered, which would make his job a little easier. Monroe & Congress
Monroe's relationship with Congress could possibly be the best of any Presidential administration analyzed thus far. One of the main contributions to the Era of good Feelings was the mostly positive relationship between the representatives of different parties in Congress. Although a majority of representatives were Democratic-Republicans, representatives all major political sects were being heard, and, therefore, were usually content with decisions being made. James Monroe did not seem to favor his own party in a major way when giving out federal positions. If this didn't affect Monroe's handing out of federal jobs, it speaks volumes to his seemingly unbiased relationship with those of Congress. They agreed on many historical decisions of that time, such as the Missouri Compromise and invasion of Florida. They also shared similar views on the famous Monroe Doctrine. However, one stand-out disagreement between the two was Monroe's veto of the Cumberland Road Bill; (which Monroe saw as unconstitutional, but most of Congress did not). Nevertheless, this minor difference is merely a spec on the great relationship between Monroe and Congress throughout his presidency. Most Positive & Negative
Among many good decisions made during his presidency, the most positive that Monroe made would have to be the events that transpired based on around the Monroe Doctrine. The Monroe Doctrine stated that America should be free from the threat of European intrusion, that Latin America should not be subject to attempts of European expansion, and that the American Pacific coast belonged to America, without the threat of outside interference. In turn, America promised to stay out of European affairs not concerning them, but warned that any European imposement on America or its neighbors of the western hemisphere would be seen as hostile actions. This proclamation was vital in the growth and security of America. They'd already gained Florida, and had now locked up rights to the Pacific Coast. This meant that America was free to continue westward expansion as far as the Pacific Ocean (This precedent was put solely on European powers; the Indians standing in between America and the coast were a different story.). It also guaranteed the safety and security of the Latin American Islands, which were considered to be important neighbors to the Americans. Monroe, and his administration, putting this into motion were very important in the growth and stability of America.
Among Monroe's many positive decisions, it is difficult to pick out a substantial negative decision that he made. However, the process of how America secured Florida was a bit sloppy on Monroe's part. Apparent miscommunication between Monroe and General Andrew Jackson (Jackson thought he had permission to invade Spanish Florida, but Monroe denies giving it.) led to an angered Spain. However, a treaty was quickly signed to appease the Spanish, which called for America to give up any claims to Texas. This may not have gone over as smoothly if not for the help of John Quincy Adams, who wrote and proposed the Treaty. However, this negative in Monroe's performance is overshadowed by the gaining of Florida itself, so this decision didn't seem to have much effect on the nation at this time. Monroe & The Future
Again the Monroe Doctrine comes to the forefront of Monroe's presidency. This affected the future of America for years to come. It solidified significant allies and trading partners for the nation in the Latin American countries, and secured the Pacific Coast for future American expansion. In addition, it promised neutrality in European affairs, and vice-versa, which made one less area that America had to be concerned about. What the Monroe Doctrine did was allow America the 'comfortability' of focusing primarily on improving themselves internally, rather than dealing with foreign affairs constantly. Conclusion
The United States was undoubtedly better after Monroe left office. Even though the country was doing well when he entered the White House, he vastly improved the nation. Broadening borders, keeping political peace, and creating a sense of positive isolation from European powers left the U.S. in great shape. The decisions he made, the impact had on the country, and the state the nation was in when he left office lead to James Monroe receiving an A, and being regarded (by some) as one of the greatest U.S. Presidents of all time.
Thematic Context: Religion
Although no major historical religious events occurred during Monroe's presidency, a lot can be said about the growth of religion within the country. Many sects and denominations of Christianity were beginning to appear and grow. Evangelicalism and Anglicanism were two sects that were really starting to develop and become more popular throughout the states.
A lot can be said from the fact that no major religious differences are noted, and that no disputes involving religion of any significance took place in America in this time period. Religious tolerance was continuing to grow in American society, and the acceptance of other religions, such as the soon-coming Mormon faith, was seen. So, perhaps no significant happenings involving religion in America isn't a bad thing.
Democratic-Republican
March 4, 1817- March 4, 1825 (2 terms)
Vice President: Daniel Tompkins
Thesis Paragraph
James Monroe had a very successful two-term presidency, excelling in many fields; especially those of foreign affairs, national growth, and American prosperity. Based on major events administered by him and his cabinet, such as the gaining of Florida, admitting new states into the Union, keeping peace in between citizens with political differences, and pushing the Monroe Doctrine into effect, James Monroe should undoubtedly be given an A for his performance as the President of the United States.
Monroe's Goals
During the Monroe administration, one of the main goals was to secure Florida from the Spanish and further broaden the American borders. Westward expansion was also a main goal of the country's, and Monroe. Soon after taking occupancy in the White House, Monroe looked to also start a positive relationship with the newly-independent Latin American nations, seeing that they could potentially become even more profitable trading partners and significant allies in the future. Securing the Pacific coast of North America from Russia and other powerful nations also became a priority to Monroe, as this was vital to the potential westward growth of America. In addition, the "Era of Good Feelings" was currently in the air when Monroe took over as President, so he wanted to make sure that these feelings lingered, which would make his job a little easier.
Monroe & Congress
Monroe's relationship with Congress could possibly be the best of any Presidential administration analyzed thus far. One of the main contributions to the Era of good Feelings was the mostly positive relationship between the representatives of different parties in Congress. Although a majority of representatives were Democratic-Republicans, representatives all major political sects were being heard, and, therefore, were usually content with decisions being made. James Monroe did not seem to favor his own party in a major way when giving out federal positions. If this didn't affect Monroe's handing out of federal jobs, it speaks volumes to his seemingly unbiased relationship with those of Congress. They agreed on many historical decisions of that time, such as the Missouri Compromise and invasion of Florida. They also shared similar views on the famous Monroe Doctrine. However, one stand-out disagreement between the two was Monroe's veto of the Cumberland Road Bill; (which Monroe saw as unconstitutional, but most of Congress did not). Nevertheless, this minor difference is merely a spec on the great relationship between Monroe and Congress throughout his presidency.
Most Positive & Negative
Among many good decisions made during his presidency, the most positive that Monroe made would have to be the events that transpired based on around the Monroe Doctrine. The Monroe Doctrine stated that America should be free from the threat of European intrusion, that Latin America should not be subject to attempts of European expansion, and that the American Pacific coast belonged to America, without the threat of outside interference. In turn, America promised to stay out of European affairs not concerning them, but warned that any European imposement on America or its neighbors of the western hemisphere would be seen as hostile actions. This proclamation was vital in the growth and security of America. They'd already gained Florida, and had now locked up rights to the Pacific Coast. This meant that America was free to continue westward expansion as far as the Pacific Ocean (This precedent was put solely on European powers; the Indians standing in between America and the coast were a different story.). It also guaranteed the safety and security of the Latin American Islands, which were considered to be important neighbors to the Americans. Monroe, and his administration, putting this into motion were very important in the growth and stability of America.
Among Monroe's many positive decisions, it is difficult to pick out a substantial negative decision that he made. However, the process of how America secured Florida was a bit sloppy on Monroe's part. Apparent miscommunication between Monroe and General Andrew Jackson (Jackson thought he had permission to invade Spanish Florida, but Monroe denies giving it.) led to an angered Spain. However, a treaty was quickly signed to appease the Spanish, which called for America to give up any claims to Texas. This may not have gone over as smoothly if not for the help of John Quincy Adams, who wrote and proposed the Treaty. However, this negative in Monroe's performance is overshadowed by the gaining of Florida itself, so this decision didn't seem to have much effect on the nation at this time.
Monroe & The Future
Again the Monroe Doctrine comes to the forefront of Monroe's presidency. This affected the future of America for years to come. It solidified significant allies and trading partners for the nation in the Latin American countries, and secured the Pacific Coast for future American expansion. In addition, it promised neutrality in European affairs, and vice-versa, which made one less area that America had to be concerned about. What the Monroe Doctrine did was allow America the 'comfortability' of focusing primarily on improving themselves internally, rather than dealing with foreign affairs constantly.
Conclusion
The United States was undoubtedly better after Monroe left office. Even though the country was doing well when he entered the White House, he vastly improved the nation. Broadening borders, keeping political peace, and creating a sense of positive isolation from European powers left the U.S. in great shape. The decisions he made, the impact had on the country, and the state the nation was in when he left office lead to James Monroe receiving an A, and being regarded (by some) as one of the greatest U.S. Presidents of all time.
Thematic Context: Religion
Although no major historical religious events occurred during Monroe's presidency, a lot can be said about the growth of religion within the country. Many sects and denominations of Christianity were beginning to appear and grow. Evangelicalism and Anglicanism were two sects that were really starting to develop and become more popular throughout the states.
A lot can be said from the fact that no major religious differences are noted, and that no disputes involving religion of any significance took place in America in this time period. Religious tolerance was continuing to grow in American society, and the acceptance of other religions, such as the soon-coming Mormon faith, was seen. So, perhaps no significant happenings involving religion in America isn't a bad thing.
Bibliography
"A Century of Lawmaking for a New Nation: U.S. Congressional Documents and Debates, 1774-1875." Web. http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/ampage?collId=llsj&fileName=013/llsj013.db&recNum=9.
"American President: American President." Miller Center. Web. 28 Sept. 2011. http://millercenter.org/president/keyevents/monroe.
Hart, Albert Bushnell. The Monroe Doctrine; an Interpretation,. Boston: Little, Brown, and, 1916. Print.
"James Monroe." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 28 Sept. 2011. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Monroe.